Independence Quote by John Lewis Gaddis
![“Their very independence from Great Britain resulted, as Thomas Paine had predicted it would in 1776, from the implausibility that “a Continent [could] be perpetually governed by an island.”12” quote by John Lewis Gaddis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd0/john-lewis-gaddis-16949_independence_their-very-independence-from-great-brita_2665619.jpg)
““Their very independence from Great Britain resulted, as Thomas Paine had predicted it would in 1776, from the implausibility that “a Continent [could] be perpetually governed by an island.”12””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cold War: A New History by John Lewis Gaddis, 2005
The quote argues that a continent cannot be ruled indefinitely by a distant island, highlighting the impracticality of imperial control over vast lands.
In simple terms: Continents can’t be ruled forever by faraway islands.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of distant governance.
Themes
politics
history
imperialism
geography
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- colonial administration
- modern geopolitics
- policy making
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Sovereignty
colonialism
logistics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do internal conflicts affect distant rule?
- What modern parallels exist?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks internal divisions that can also destabilize governance.
